Gabriel was rarely impressed but, as he eyed the dark-haired beauty with the piercing blue eyes, his respect for her grew tenfold. She was bold, brave, and a cunning warrior. After raising his wine glass, he cemented his full attention on her.
“As we head into the New Year, I wish everyone the best,” he said. “And to my brothers, I love you.”
“Nice,” Sin said as everyone clinked glasses.
Everyone continued chowing down, but Gabriel was more interested in the alluring and intriguing woman seated across from him. She’d taken out a Bratva, she’d been ballsy enough to accept a gig in Russia. Nothing like stepping into the lion’s den and playing with the big cats.
If she’d been scared, she’d done the job anyway.
Rather than push for information—and annoy his brothers again—he stayed silent. But his mind was funneling through the questions.
For Halston… and only Halston.
The conversation shifted to Teddy and Sydney’s home furnishings, moving on to New Year’s resolutions. As they chatted around the table, Gabriel only half listened.
Focus on health, more time with friends, less time at work.
Blah, blah, blah.
A power-hungry businessman, Gabriel was heir to the Santini Dynasty of blood and power… and he had every intention of keeping it.
“What about you Halston?” Caroline asked. “What are your top three resolutions?”
Pausing, Halston sipped the Chianti. Brilliant-blue eyes bore into his as if she could pierce his soul. His libido stirred but, to his surprise, so did his heart. Unlike Barbi, she had a vulnerability about her that drew him in—a gravitational pull he could not ignore.
“I’d like to stay in the US for the foreseeable future,” she said, her gaze floating from person to person. “Being here with all of you is the happiest I’ve been in a while. I did see my family, recently, and that was great.” Her fiery gaze halted on Gabriel. “I’d like to do something fun. I know that sounds ridiculous?—”
“No, it doesn’t,” Evangeline said.
“Go somewhere nice for dinner, then to the theater or fly to the coast of Italy for a long weekend.”
Her voice was sultry. She spoke slower than Barbi, said certain words differently. From what he could tell, she was deliberate. He liked that about her… he liked that a lot.
“Maybe something crazy like skydiving or spend a day puppy shopping,” she continued. “I don’t know what, but I know Iwouldn’t do it alone.” For Gabriel, a little smile. “For me, the adventure is better when shared with someone special.”
He mirrored her smile with one of his own, meant just for her.
She was irresistible.
Completely and totally irresistible.
They finished their late-night meal, compliments for their hosts. As everyone moved toward the kitchen to help clean up and pull out the array of sweet treats, he intercepted Halston. He took her plate, her empty wine glass, set it down on the center island.
“Come with me,” he said.
He paused, giving her the chance to refuse him. Instead, her pupils bled back, she curled her fingers around his biceps. “I could use a little air.”
He led her onto the darkened back porch where the frosty air whipped around them. While he appreciated the smack of cold air that invigorated his senses, she might be cold.
Rather than ask if he could get her a coat, he wrapped her in his arms and kissed her. Without hesitation, she kissed him back, tightened her hold of him. Their connection was fiery and immediate. He slipped his hand around the back of her neck beneath her long hair, deepened their embrace. A growl shot from her, the wildness in her kiss a welcoming pleasure.
In seconds, everything jumped to Mach One, his hardness pressing against the confines of his boxer briefs.
The kiss continued, her throaty moans turning him hard as fucking steel.
Commotion from inside grabbed his attention. When he opened his eyes, hers fluttered open.
“You’ve worked your black magic on me,” he murmured before stealing another kiss.
